6 Best Christmas Dinner Restaurants in Philadelphia: 6 Places to Consider

The Continental Mid-town fills three levels with playful design and distinctly different moods, from lively cocktails and dinner downstairs to a jet-set mezzanine and open-air rooftop patio. Eclectic global cooking keeps the menu equally surprising, pairing Szechuan shoestring fries and cheesesteak egg rolls with French onion soup dumplings, Peruvian chicken, seafood, and inventive brunch plates.

The mix works for date nights, groups, cocktails, and private events, with a setting that feels stylish rather than formal. Patient, attentive service helps navigate the wide-ranging menu, while the multiple floors make the restaurant useful for everything from a casual meal to a larger reception.

Lacroix places French-inspired cooking in the historic Rittenhouse Square setting, with menus that move from breakfast and brunch through lunch, dinner, cocktails, and small plates. Familiar bistro flavors receive a more polished treatment, supported by fresh ingredients, precise presentation, and a calm, well-kept dining room.

The kitchen’s range makes it useful for several occasions, from a business dinner or intimate evening to a leisurely brunch where smaller portions allow guests to explore multiple dishes. A private dining room adds flexibility for more structured gatherings, while takeaway provides a simpler option when dining in is not practical. Its refined atmosphere and careful service make advance planning sensible for sought-after meals, particularly brunch and special occasions.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks brings an upscale downtown setting to Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, near City Hall. The menu covers freshly shucked oysters, regional seafood, fish specialties, and steaks, giving groups room to choose between lighter coastal dishes and more substantial grilled options. Handcrafted cocktails and an energetic bar add another dimension to the visit.

The restaurant suits business lunches, dinners, celebrations, and private events, with takeout, delivery, and dine-in service available. Happy hour focuses on bar bites and drinks, while the dining room offers a more polished setting. Guests with allergies or dietary restrictions should notify the server before ordering because the kitchen is not allergen-free.

Craftsman Row Saloon pairs American comfort food with an immersive, highly decorated atmosphere in Philadelphia. Burgers, cheesesteaks, waffles, drinks, and other familiar dishes support casual lunches, dinners, and quick bites, while the full-service bar adds beer, cocktails, and seasonal drinks.

The saloon is particularly distinctive during its holiday and themed installations, when elaborate decorations turn dinner into an event of its own. Reservations are especially useful for popular seasonal experiences, group outings, and festive dates when the atmosphere is part of the reason to visit.